Pawan Khera called Nishikant Dubey a quack and urged the media not to pay attention to him. Taking a dig at Nishikant Dubey, the Congress leader said that he is not even a student from WhatsApp University but of WhatsApp Nursery. Khera further asked Dubey to go to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and discontinue the Shimla Agreement.
ED Raids Himachal Assistant Drug Controller, Linked Persons In PMLA Probe
NEW DELHI/SHIMLA, June 22: The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday conducted searches against a Himachal Pradesh-based Assistant Drug Controller (ADC), his family members and some others as part of a money laundering investigation linked to charges of bribery and political patronage, official sources said. The action has been taken against Nishant Sareen, currently posted as ADC Dharamshala, his father-in-law Ramesh Kumar Gupta and an alleged associate Komal Khanna apart from some others, they said. Five residential and commercial premises in [] The post ED Raids Himachal Assistant Drug Controller, Linked Persons In PMLA Probe appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Scooty worth 1 lakh, number plate worth 14 lakh: Himachal man makes record bid in auction
Shimla, Jun 21: In a remarkable show of passion for unique vehicle numbers, Sanjeev Kumar from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, has purchased a VIP registration numberHP21C-0001for 14 lakh for his new scooter, which itself is valued at only 1 lakh. The number was secured through an online auction conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department. The [] The post Scooty worth 1 lakh, number plate worth 14 lakh: Himachal man makes record bid in auction appeared first on Northlines .
Sonia Gandhi discharged from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital after treatment for stomach ailment
Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, was discharged from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today. She was admitted on June 15 with a stomach-related ailment. Doctors confirmed her condition as stable after treatment. She will continue treatment as an outpatient. Earlier, she had a check-up in Shimla on June 7. Doctors monitored her health closely during her stay.
Good ol days here again! Temperature drops, Bengaluru feels like hill station
BENGALURU: Citizens are reliving olden days of Bengaluru over the last couple of days as the city is experiencing the hill station weather. Temperatures have dipped below normal and are hovering around 26-27 degrees Celsius, which is similar to what is recorded in hill stations and in some cases even below them. On June 17, the maximum temperature in Bengaluru was 27.1 degrees Celsius, against the normal of 31 degrees Celsius. On June 15 and 16, the maximum temperature recorded by the Bengaluru India Meteorological Department (IMD) was 26.1 and 26.6 degrees Celsius, respectively. On June 17, the maximum temperature recorded in Srinagar at 5.30 pm was 30.5 degrees Celsius, while in Dehradun it was 28.8 degrees Celsius. Bengaluru was cooler than Lonavala, which recorded a maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. However, Shimla and Darjeeling were colder than Bengaluru, recording 21.6 and 20.2 degrees Celsius. IMD-Bengaluru director-in-charge N Puviarasan said Bengaluru temperatures being lesser than hill stations is not rare or new. The temperatures in the city have dipped because of rain and cloud cover over the last couple of days. The temperature this year is far lower than it was in June last year. The southwest monsoon set in early this year and has been active for the last few days. Parts of coastal Karnataka and Ghats have been experiencing rain which has also contributed to the dip in Bengaluru temperature, he said. This weather system will continue for the next three days after which temperatures will rise, he added. While most of Karnataka and South India are experiencing heavy monsoon rain, the situation is not the same in North India.
Sonia Gandhi, the 78-year-old Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, is in stable condition at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where she is being treated for a stomach ailment since Sunday evening. Prior to her hospitalization, she had a medical check-up on June 9 and underwent tests in Shimla for elevated blood pressure, where doctors reported her condition as stable.
Gandhi special invitee at Shimla Art Fest
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 15: The Shimla Art Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration of art and culture was inaugurated today at Himachal State Museum, Shimla and it will culminate on June 17. A handout stated that the festival will bring together some of Indias most acclaimed and emerging artists, showcasing the rich tapestry of creativity that defines the country. The special invitee, KK Gandhi, a renowned artist from Jammu, known for his expressive brushwork and deeply spiritual themes is participating [] The post Gandhi special invitee at Shimla Art Fest appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sonia Gandhi Admitted To Ganga Ram Hospital With Stomach-Related Issue
This is not the first time Gandhi has sought medical care recently. Just a week ago, on June 7, she was admitted in a hospital in Shimla
12th conference by Him Science Congress Association begins in Shimla
Shimla's Damini Singh Barar secures All India Rank 1 in PhD Psychology entrance, earning admission to IIT Delhi through self-study without coaching.
Youth Found Murdered in a Hotel in Shimla, Accused Remains Absconding
Shimla, June 13, 2025 A murder case has been registered at Dhalli Police Station under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following the alleged killing of a hotel guest, police said. According to a statement provided by Manish Thakur, a receptionist at Hotel Grand Majestic near Dhalli Tunnel, two guestsAkash Sharma and [] The post Youth Found Murdered in a Hotel in Shimla, Accused Remains Absconding first appeared on Himachal Watcher .
Shimla: 19-Year-Old Girl Found Hanging at Balika Ashram in Mashobra
Shimla| June 12, 2025 A 19-year-old girl from Chamba district, residing at Balika Ashram in Mashobra, was found hanging near the staircase area of the Ashram, according to a press statement issued by the Superintendent of Police, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh. The incident was reported under the jurisdiction of Police Chowki Mashobra. Police officials, accompanied [] The post Shimla: 19-Year-Old Girl Found Hanging at Balika Ashram in Mashobra first appeared on Himachal Watcher .
Four dead in separate Himachal Pradesh tragedies; three drown, one killed in accident
CHANDIGARH: Four people lost their lives in separate incidents across Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, three due to drowning and one in a tragic road accident. In the first incident, two Kashmiri youths drowned in Baner Khad in Gram Panchayat Gahlian near Ranital in Kangra district. The deceased were identified as Rajendra Kumar (36) and Ashok Kumar (21), both from Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. They had been working as woodcutters and were living in a rented accommodation in Gahlian. Sources said the two, along with two friends, had gone to the ravine to wash clothes. Afterward, they entered the water to bathe but ventured into the deeper section and drowned. When they did not return for a long time, their other two friends started searching for them and found their clothes and mobile phones lying on the banks of Baner Khad. When they raised an alarm, the local people, including the Panchayat Pradhan and Deputy Pradhan, reached the spot and with the help of the people, divers took out the bodies, said an official. Police reached the spot, took custody of the bodies, and sent them for post-mortem examination at Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital in Tanda. In a separate drowning incident, 21-year-old Sheetal, a local girl, died while bathing in Jabbar Khad along the Defence Road in Dhakki village under the Nurpur police station area. Police took her body into custody, conducted a post-mortem examination, and handed it over to the family for cremation. In both drowning incidents, police have initiated inquest proceedings. Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Una district when a pick-up van fell into a 24-foot-deep gorge near the Peer Nigahe area, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to 29 others. The victims were from Punjab and were returning after visiting shrines, including Baba Balak Nath and other local pilgrimage centres, when the accident occurred on Thursday night. Locals rescued the injured from the gorge and rushed them to Una hospital, where one of them succumbed to injuries. Two critically injured persons were referred to PGI Chandigarh. A case has been registered, and investigations are underway. On a separate note, light rainfall lashed Shimla on Thursday afternoon, providing much-needed relief from the sweltering heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast rain and thunderstorms in the area, which finally arrived, ending a prolonged dry spell. Rain accompanied by thunderstorm was also reported in Dharamsala, McLeodganj and the surrounding areas.
Chandigarh Man Killed In Shimla Hotel After Cousin Allegedly Slit His Throat With Broken Beer Bottle
The victim, identified as Akash Sharma, a resident Chandigarh, was allegedly killed by his cousin, Arjun, after the two of them checked in a hotel room for a leisure trip
Six pilgrims injured after SUV rams into tree in Himachal's Hamirpur
HAMIRPUR: Six members of a family sustained serious injuries when their SUV rammed into a huge tree near Jolsapper village in Himachal's Hamirpur district on Thursday, police said. A two-year-old child escaped unhurt in the accident that took place when the family was on the way to the Jwala Mata temple in Kangra district. The injured, including four women, were taken to a nearby private clinic and then referred to the Hamirpur Medical College after providing first aid. One of the injured Chain Singh, a resident of Theog (Shimla), said he was going to visit the temple with his family in his new SUV when the accident took place. The SUV was damaged in the accident. Nadaun Police station in-charge Nirmal Singh said a case has been registered.
Israeli tourist missing in Kangra, Maharashtra trekker dies in Shimlas Rohru
CHANDIGARH: The high-altitude Shipki La pass on the India-China border in the tribal district of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh was thrown open on Tuesday to the public for the first time since independence in 1947. The motorable mountain pass at a height of 3,930 metres in one of the most closely-guarded border zones in the country was earlier open only for traders, although even this was stopped in 2020. Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, At the border, we have eased restrictions for tourists so that they can enjoy the beauty of Shipki La. Boosting tourism in the region would also strengthen the local economy. He said that the state government had requested the Ministry of Defence to grant permission for starting tourism activities in the border areas of Lepcha, Shipki La, Giu and Rani Kanda. After the approval was received, the border tourism initiative has been launched. Sukhu said that the state government would also raise the issue of starting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Shipki La with the central government. He added, I will meet the Prime Minister and present this matter before him. Shipki La will be the easiest route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. The possibility of restarting the centuries-old trade between India and Tibet through this pass would also be raised with the central government, he said. Sukhu stated that the state government has also urged the Centre to establish the Himachal Scout Battalion, which would have a special quota for the local people of the border areas of the state. The matter of setting up an airport to promote tourism in the border areas would also be pursued with the Union government, he said. Further, the state government would urge the Centre to abolish the Inner Line Check Post of the military and paramilitary forces, which currently creates obstacles for tourists, he added. Sukhu said that the Wangtu-Atargu-Mud-Bhaba road connecting Lahaul-Spiti district to Kinnaur has been approved by the National Wildlife Board, thus paving the way for its construction which would reduce the distance between Shimla and Kaza by approximately 100 km. He said that border roads were not only of strategic importance, but their purpose was to provide benefits to the people by increasing connectivity in remote regions. Sukhu said he has also recently discussed an action plan to promote tourism in the border areas with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) by using various helipads of the paramilitary force. Discussions have also been held about providing medical facilities to the public through the health institutions of the ITBP. He said that the country is proud of the valour of the Army and paramilitary forces. He also inaugurated the Border Forest Park at Shipki-La and visited Indira Gandhi Point. Sukhu became only the second Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to set foot at Shipki La, following in the footsteps of the first Chief Minister of the state Yashwant Singh Parmar and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had trekked to the pass in 1968, long before a road was even built here.
India eyes Rs 3 lakh crore defence exports in next 5 years: Rajat Seth
Shimla: Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth Tuesday said that the central government has set a target of Rs 3 lakh crore as export in the defence sector by 2029. During a press conference, he said earlier the world viewed India as an importer, but due to the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra []
Suicide Bomber Threat at HP High Court Sparks Panic; Premises Cleared After 4-Hour Search
Shimla | June 9, 2025 A high-level security alert was triggered at the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Monday following a threat regarding the possible presence of human suicide bombers carrying Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) within the premises. According to an official press release issued by the Superintendent of Police, District Shimla, the threat [] The post Suicide Bomber Threat at HP High Court Sparks Panic; Premises Cleared After 4-Hour Search first appeared on Himachal Watcher .
Sonia Gandhi visits Ganga Ram Hospital, undergoes medical check-up
New Delhi: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Monday visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) and underwent a medical check-up, sources said. This health check-up comes just two days after Gandhi, 78, was taken to Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital in Shimla after she complained of high blood pressure. The veteran Congress leader was in Himachal Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Shimla Himachal Pradesh is set to open its high-altitude frontier regions for regulated tourism under a newly announced Border Tourism initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable travel in remote tribal areas along the Indo-China border. The initiative will be officially launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his upcoming two-day visit to Kinnaur district, beginning [] The post Himachal Launches Border Tourism Initiative, To Open its High-Altitude Frontier Regions for Regulated Tourism first appeared on Himachal Watcher .
Shimla Himachal Pradesh has become the first Indian state to implement a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk, a move aimed at enhancing rural incomes and modernizing the dairy sector. The information was shared through an official government release on Sunday. Daily Milk Procurement Crosses 2.32 Lakh Litres As per government data, the state is [] The post Himachal Becomes First State to Offer MSP on Milk, Also Launches Goat Milk Pilot Project at 70 Per Litre first appeared on Himachal Watcher .
Sonia Gandhi Hospitalised for High Blood Pressure
The former Congress president had arrived on a personal trip to Shimla along with her daughter Priyanka
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi admitted to hospital in Shimla after health deteriorates
Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was on Saturday taken to Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital in Shimla after she complained of high blood pressure. Gandhi (78), who was on a personal trip to Shimla along with her daughter Priyanka Gandhi, underwent some tests at the hospital.
Sonia Gandhi Undergoes Tests At Shimla Hospital After High Blood Pressure Complaint
Shimla, Jun 7: Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was on Saturday taken to Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital in Shimla after she complained of high blood pressure, a party official said. Gandhi (78), who was on a personal trip to Shimla along with her daughter Priyanka Gandhi, underwent some tests at the hospital and later left, the media advisor to Himachal Pradesh CM Naresh Chauhan said. Gandhi was taken to the hospital after she complained of high blood pressure. It [] The post Sonia Gandhi Undergoes Tests At Shimla Hospital After High Blood Pressure Complaint appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sonia Gandhi taken to Shimla hospital after high blood pressure complaint
Sonia Gandhi, a senior Congress leader, was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital in Shimla on Saturday due to complaints of high blood pressure. The 78-year-old, who was on a personal visit with her daughter Priyanka Gandhi, underwent routine tests at the hospital. After the checkup, she returned to Priyanka's residence in Chharabra, near Shimla.
Sonia Gandhi Falls Ill In Shimla, Rushed To IGMC For Tests
Sonia Gandhi was taken toIndira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital for tests and checkup.
Besides earnings, she owns a Rs 17.01 crore apartment in one of Mumbai's most posh locations, Pali Hills, a house worth Rs 7 crore in her hometown Shimla and a luxurious house in Beverly Hills.
CM Sukhu launches Rs 100 crore development projects in Dehra, distributes land to Pong Dam oustees
SHIMLA, Jun 3: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for six development projects worth about Rs 100 crore in the Dehra assembly constituency of Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district and handed over land allotment certificates to 89 Pong Dam oustees. He laid the foundation stone of the Administrative and Diagnostic Block of the Hospital, Food Commissary and Quarantine at Durgesh Aranya- Zoological Park to be constructed at a cost of Rs 47.62 crore, according to [] The post CM Sukhu launches Rs 100 crore development projects in Dehra, distributes land to Pong Dam oustees appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Looking for a hidden hill station? heres Why Gulaba beats Manali & Shimla
Himachal Pradesh govt to develop 77 new eco-tourism sites
SHIMLA, Jun 1: The Himachal Pradesh government will develop as many as 77 eco-tourism sites in different forest circles across the state under the Eco Tourism Policy-2024 in the next five years, an official said here on Sunday. Eco-tourism means travelling to natural places without harming the environment. The new eco-tourism policy 2024 has been specially made to support this idea, keeping both tourism and nature safe. The goal is to attract tourists in a way that protects nature, creates [] The post Himachal Pradesh govt to develop 77 new eco-tourism sites appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal Pradesh to procure loan via sale of govt securities worth Rs 800 cr
SHIMLA, May 31: The Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to procure a loan by selling government securities worth Rs 800 crore and the proceeds would be utilised for development programmes. An auction in this regard would be held by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) at Mumbai on June 3 and the successful bidder would have to make the payment by June 4, as per a specific notification issued by the state government, an official said on Saturday. The tenure [] The post Himachal Pradesh to procure loan via sale of govt securities worth Rs 800 cr appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NEW DELHI: After the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan acknowledged loss of India fighter jets by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the Congress on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Government for misleading the nation, reiterating its demand of a special Parliament session to explain damages suffered during the four-day conflict and also the role of United States (US) in brokering ceasefire. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress' President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha also demanded a comprehensive review of India's Defence Preparedness by an independent expert committee after remarks of CDS in Singapore. In the wake of the remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in Singapore in an interview, there are some very important questions which need to be asked. These can only be asked if a Special Session of the Parliament is immediately convened. The Modi Govt has misled the nation. The fog of war is now clearing, said Kharge. He also reiterated that the Congress supports the Indian armed forces. Our IAF pilots were risking their lives fighting the enemy. We have suffered some losses, but our pilots were safe. As per CDS's interview, we made, remedy it, rectify it, and then implement it again after two days and flew all our jets again, targeting at long range. We salute their resolute courage and bravery, Kharge said. Latching on to the comment by the CDS, Congress leader Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the country wanted to know whether any aircraft were downed during the conflict. A government has to be transparent. Accountability is normal in a democracy. This is not about patriotism. We are more patriotic. Our first family, the Gandhi family, themselves suffered and have made huge sacrifices for the integrity of the country and these people question us. This is really shocking, bizarre, the Congress leader said. Referring to repeated claims about negotiating truce between India and Pakistan by US president Donald Trump, Kharge insisted on clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that US involvement is a direct affront to the Shimla Agreement. Operation Sindoor: India lost unspecified number of fighter jets, hints Chief of Defence Staff PM Modi is on an election blitz, taking personal credit for the valour of our Armed forces, hiding behind their bravery and dodging the contours of the agreed ceasefire, which the foreign secretary announced on 10 th (May), after Mr. Trumps tweet. Is India and Pakistan now again hyphenated? What are the conditions of the ceasefire agreement?, the Congress leader posted on X. He further demanded a comprehensive review of Indias defence preparedness by an independent expert committee on the lines of the Kargil Review Committee set up by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999. Putting emphasis on the formation of the review committee, Congress general secretary (communication) Jairam Ramesh said that the Committee was formedthree days after the Kargil War ended and it had submitted its detailed report five months later. On July 29, 1999, the Vajpayee Govt set up the Kargil Review Committee under the chairmanship of India's strategic affairs guru K Subrahmanyam - whose son is now our External Affairs Minister The report titled From Surprise to Reckoning was then laid on the Table of both Houses of Parliament on Feb 23, 2000 after the necessary redactions. Will the Modi Govt now take a similar step in light of what the Chief of Defence Staff has just revealed in Singapore?, he also wrote on X.
Op Sindoor: From Stunning Victory to Deceptive Perception War
K B Jandial Fifty-four years ago, India, under the Iron Lady Indira Gandhi, had delivered a historic and humiliating defeat to Pakistan in an unforgettable war leading to secession of East Pakistan from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It was momentous as it negated the Two Nation theory based on which Pakistan was born. The gain of the resounding victory of Indian forces and Mukti Vahni was lost on July 2, 1972, at Barnes Court (Raj Bhawan) Shimla, while signing [] The post Op Sindoor: From Stunning Victory to Deceptive Perception War appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Man Held In Shimla On Charges Of Espionage, Was Providing Key Information To Enemy
Hailstorm, heavy rains lash Shimla on May 30
Heavy rains were also witnessed in Solan and Mandi
Himachal: Man held after sensitive content related to Indias security found in his phone
Shimla: An 18-year-old man was arrested on Thursday after sensitive content which could endanger the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country was allegedly found in his mobile phone, police said. The accused has been identified as Abhishek, a resident of Sukahar in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district. Abhishek, reportedly a college dropout, has been booked Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
DC Edit | J&K Statehood Path to Peace
It is only elementary that political problems should have political solutions but Pakistan and the terror network it has nurtured and supported have vitiated the Kashmir issue despite the Shimla accord
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged Rajiv Gandhi sought US President Reagan's help with Pakistan negotiations, questioning why the Shimla Agreement was bypassed. He also shared a 1971 US cable suggesting Indira Gandhi halted the Bangladesh Liberation War under US pressure, prioritizing Bangladesh over reclaiming PoK. This comes amid debates on third-party involvement in India-Pakistan relations.
Vimal Negi Death Case: Top Bureaucrat, DGP And Shimla SP Proceed On Leave, CBI Lodges FIR
Shimla, May 27: Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Sharma, Director General of Police Atul Verma and Superintendent of Police Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi proceeded on leave on Tuesday, officials said. This comes on the day the CBI registered an FIR in the Vimal Negi death case and after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a meeting with top officials Tuesday evening. On Monday, Sukhu, responding to questions about officers involved in the investigation of HPPCL engineer Vimal Negis death, had [] The post Vimal Negi Death Case: Top Bureaucrat, DGP And Shimla SP Proceed On Leave, CBI Lodges FIR appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Engineer's Body Was Found In Lake, Now CBI Will Probe His Mystery Death
An engineer with Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation went missing from Shimla on March 10. Eight days later, Vimal Negi's body was found under mysterious circumstances in a lake in Bilaspur district on March 18.
HP: Sessions court stays order to demolish Sanjauli mosque
Shimla: A sessions court on Monday stayed the May 3 order of the Commissioners Court that directed the demolition of a mosque located in Sanjauli locality in Shimla after the waqf board had failed to provide the records regarding the ownership of the land. The court also sought a reply from the Municipal Corporation, Shimla, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
SHIMLA, May 25: Taking strong exception to allegations levelled by Superintendent of Police of Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi against him and other senior officers, Director General of Police Atul Verma has recommended immediate suspension of the SP to the Himachal Pradesh government, officials said on Sunday. In a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the DGP said that Gandhi had made unsubstantiated and inappropriate allegations against senior government functionaries and constitutional authorities, and he should be suspended, pending the [] The post Himachal Police Tussle: DGP Recommends SPs Suspension, Says He Made Unsubstantiated Allegations Against Officers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal Pradesh HC transfers the probe into the death of HPPCL chief engineer Vimal Negi to CBI
CHANDIGARH: In a setback to the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government, the State High Court on Friday handed over the probe into the mysterious death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited chief engineer Vimal Negi to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His body was found in Gobind Sagar Lake on March 18. A single bench of the High Court, led by Justice Ajay Goyal, on Wednesday accepted a petition by Vimal Negis wife, Kiran Negi, and ordered the transfer of the probe from the Himachal Police SIT, headed by Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi, to the CBI. R K Bawa, the advocate for the petitioner, said the court accepted the family's plea that the state police was not conducting a fair investigation and directed that no Himachal Pradesh officer be involved in the probe. From day 1, Kiran was not satisfied with the probe by the SIT. Accepting our plea, the court has directed that no Himachal-cadre officer will be part of the CBI investigation. The government failed to act on the report of the additional chief secretary (Home and Revenue), Onkar Chand, in which he indicted officers accused by the family of misbehaviour. The government withheld his report. The SIT was biased and only looked into the medical history of the victim, the counsel stated. Himachal Pradesh advocate general Anup Rattan, said the government is not averse to investigation by any agency. The probe being carried out by our state police officials was fair and transparent. Our goal is justice. We wont be filing an appeal against the order, he said. The SIT was constituted after the case of abetment to suicide was registered on March 22 in Shimla on Kiran Negis complaint that top HPPCL officials, including director (electrical) Desh Raj, had been harassing her husband. Sources said that the Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Revenue) Onkar Sharma, had submitted a 66-page fact-finding inquiry report to the government on April 8, 2025, as he had been entrusted the inquiry. He even declined to review this report on the request of Secretary (Power) to include the rebuttal of the three officers, who faced allegations. It is learnt that the conflicting affidavits submitted by the Director General of Police Atul Verma and Superintendent of Police Shimla, had also put a question mark on a fair inquiry by the SIT constituted in this regard.
Himachali Becomes First Blind Indian Woman To Scale Mt Everest
Shimla, May 23: Chhonzin Angmo, a tribal woman from a remote village in Himachal Pradeshs Kinnaur district, suffers from total blindness but she has never let her visual impairment stand in the way of her dreams. Angmo, who idolises Hellen Keller, believes deeply in her words of wisdom The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision. On Monday, she scripted history by becoming the first visually-impaired woman from India and the fifth such person [] The post Himachali Becomes First Blind Indian Woman To Scale Mt Everest appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Water rises in Himachal's Pandoh dam; flash floods block Sansari-Thirot road in Lahaul-Spiti
SHIMLA: Authorities of Pandoh dam in Mandi district on Monday cautioned the general public and tourists not to venture to the banks of River Beas as spill gates could be opened anytime. Water levels in the dam is rising due to rain in surrounding areas and melting glaciers, they said. Himachal Pradesh saw isolated weather events at different areas in the state on Monday. Thunderstorms in the morning led to falling of trees in Sundernagar area in the district, causing inconvenience to school children and office-goers. Dark clouds overcast the sky in Mandi and Shimla. Thunderstorms also lashed Kangra, Palampur, Jot, Bhuntar, Kalpa, Mandi and Sundernagar, the local Met office said. Flash floods in Udaipur sub-division of Lahaul and Spiti district have blocked the Sansari-Killar-Tindi-Thirot road. The police have urged the public to avoid travelling on the road after its clearance was obstructed by rains. Parts of Himachal Pradesh received light rain since Sunday evening. Mandi received 16.4 mm rain, followed by Jot 15.8 mm, Kukumseri 13.2 mm, Kangra 12.4 mm, Bharmour 12 mm and Pandoh 10 mm. Kangra and Jot witnessed hailstorm. Gusty winds with a speed of 37-54 kilometres per hour hit Reckong Peo, Hamirpur, Tabo, Bilapsur, Kufri and Sundernagar. The local Met office has issued an orange warning for light to moderate rains accompanied by lightning, hail and gusty winds with a speed of 40-50 kilometres per hour at isolated places in Una and Shimla districts on Monday. It has also issued a yellow warning for light to moderate rains accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with a speed of 30-40 kilometres per hour at isolated places in Bilapsur, Mandi, Kullu, Hamirpur, Solan and Sirmaur districts. Light rain was predicted in Shimla and adjoining areas.
Himachal Pradesh ranks second among small states on justice delivery
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh has secured the second position among states with populations of less than a crore on delivering justice, according to a report by the India Justice Report 2025. The India Justice Report (IJR) is a detailed, data-based review of how well different states in India deliver justice. The report is prepared by a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Similar actions taken for Pakistan should also be taken for Turkey: HP LoP Jairam Thakur
Jairam Thakur supports Himachal Pradesh apple growers' demand. They want a ban on Turkish apple imports. Growers cite Turkey's perceived anti-India stance. They allege Turkish support for Pakistan. Ankit Bramta highlights the impact of imports on local prices. He suggests a ban could benefit Indian farmers. The demand gains traction in Shimla's apple-growing region.
Why didnt Indira take back PoK after 1971 victory?: Himanta
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that had former prime minister Indira Gandhi been alive today, he would have asked her why she did not take back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the Shimla Agreement or expand the Chickens Neck corridor following Indias victory in the 1971 war. Addressing a press conference here, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Airlines asked to resume normal operations at 32 shut airports from May 15
NEW DELHI: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday night expressed optimism that airlines would resume their normal operations to the 32 closed airports from May 15. He released a statement to this effect after holding a review meeting with top officials and representatives of all airlines in New Delhi. The Minister said, With the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) ending on 15th May, I suggested that airlines resume their normal schedules from the 15th across all 32 airports for which the NOTAM was issued. All airlines responded positively to this suggestion. A Ministry source said, At present, partial operations are taking place. The full-fledged operations will resume from May 15. This was the outcome after the meeting held on Tuesday. The NOTAM to close 32 airports in the North and Western India upto May 15 (5.29 am) was issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on May 9 as a precautionary step after the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7 . A revised NOTAM by AAI said the airports would open for commercial operations from Monday (May 12) but leading airlines like Indigo and Air India had publicly stated they would not operate flights to specific airports on Monday and Tuesday (May 13). This was on account of unconfirmed reports of drone attacks by Pakistan at a few cities. Indigo operated a flight from Delhi to Amritsar but it had to turn back due to a sudden blackout imposed in Amritsar. Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 20px; } h2 { color: #d32f2f; /* A bold red color */ text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; } table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; box-shadow: 0 0 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 12px 15px; text-align: left; } th { background-color: #c62828; /* A deep red */ color: white; } tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #f2f2f2; } tr:nth-child(odd) { background-color: #fafafa; } tr:hover { background-color: #f1f1f1; } .bold { font-weight: bold; } Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations Airport Location Status Ambala Haryana Closed Hindon UP Closed Naliya Gujarat Closed Sarsawa UP Closed Uttarlai Rajasthan Closed Srinagar Jammu & Kashmir Closed Awantipur Jammu & Kashmir Closed Jammu Jammu & Kashmir Closed Amritsar Punjab Closed Chandigarh Punjab Closed Ludhiana Punjab Closed Patiala Punjab Closed Bhatinda Punjab Closed Adampur Punjab Closed Halwara Punjab Closed Pathankot Punjab Closed Bhuntar Himachal Pradesh Closed Shimla Himachal Pradesh Closed Kangra-Gaggal Himachal Pradesh Closed Kishangarh Rajasthan Closed Thoise Ladakh Closed Leh Ladakh Closed Mundra Gujarat Closed Jamnagar Gujarat Closed Hirasar Gujarat Closed Porbandar Gujarat Closed Keshod Gujarat Closed Kandla Gujarat Closed Bhuj Gujarat Closed Jaisalmer Rajasthan Closed Jodhpur Rajasthan Closed Bikaner Rajasthan Closed Air India Announcement: In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May. Indigo Announcement: All flights to and from Amritsar, Jammu, Leh, Rajkot, Srinagar, and Chandigarh are cancelled for Tuesday (May 13). Responses from other airlines are awaited.
Had Indira Gandhi been alive, would have asked why she didnt take back PoK in Shimla Pact: Himanta
Guwahati, May 13: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that had former prime minister Indira Gandhi been alive today, he would have asked her why she did not take back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the Shimla Agreement or expand the Chickens Neck corridor by a 100 miles following Indias victory in the 1971 war. Addressing a press conference here, Sarma asserted that the Congress has no right to question Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the ceasefire with [] The post Had Indira Gandhi been alive, would have asked why she didnt take back PoK in Shimla Pact: Himanta appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Government should explain why U.S. mediation was allowed, says Sharad Pawar
Raising concerns over third-party interference in Kashmir matters, Former Chief Minister Mr. Pawar pointed out why the principle of the Shimla Agreement was violated during the ceasefire with Pakistan
After strike halt, political battle starts over Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor sparks political clashes between Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress. BJP hails Narendra Modi for avenging the attack. Congress accuses the government of exploiting soldiers' sacrifices. BJP plans 'Tiranga Yatra' to celebrate the operation's success. Congress questions the ceasefire announcement by Donald Trump. They also inquire about potential deviations from the Shimla Agreement.
After strike halt, political battle starts over Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor sparks political clashes between Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress. BJP hails Narendra Modi for avenging the attack. Congress accuses the government of exploiting soldiers' sacrifices. BJP plans 'Tiranga Yatra' to celebrate the operation's success. Congress questions the ceasefire announcement by Donald Trump. They also inquire about potential deviations from the Shimla Agreement.
SHIMLA, May 11: Police in Shimla have booked a man for using the image of a Pakistan flag as his display picture on WhatsApp, officials said on Sunday. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Adil Magre a native of Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir living near the Lakkar Bazar in Shimla since 2016 works with a private gas agency in the State capital, they said. Magre has been booked for prompting enmity on grounds of religion, language, [] The post Anantnag man booked in Shimla appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K man booked for using Pak flag as WhatsApp display pic
Shimla: Police in Shimla have booked a man for using the image of a Pakistan flag as his display picture on WhatsApp, officials said on Sunday. Adil Magre a native of Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir living near the Lakkar Bazar in Shimla since 2016 works with a private gas agency in the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
39 students depart Srinagar to Himachal following overnight artillery shelling by Pakistan
SHIMLA, May 10 : A bus carrying 39 students from Himachal Pradesh studying in Srinagar left for Jammu on Saturday on their way home following overnight attempts by the Pakistani military to hit Indian installations in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan carried out multiple attempts to strike vital installations in Srinagar, the Union Territorys summer capital. Drone attacks on several installations, including Srinagar airport and south Kashmirs Awantipora air base, were thwarted late on Friday. India and Pakistan have since agreed [] The post 39 students depart Srinagar to Himachal following overnight artillery shelling by Pakistan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Centre extends closure of 24 airports for civilian flights till May 15
NEW DELHI: At least 24 airports in northern and western parts of the country, including Srinagar and Chandigarh, have been shut for civilian flights till May 15, sources said on Friday. Earlier, these airports were closed for civilian flights till May 10 in view of the military conflict between India and Pakistan. Airlines on Friday said that their flights have been cancelled due to the temporary closure of airports till May 15. The sources said at least 24 airports have been closed for civilian flights till 05:29 hours of May 15. The airports include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Dharamsala, and Bathinda. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Leh, Bikaner, Pathankot, Jammu, Jamnagar, and Bhuj are among the other airports that have been temporarily closed for civilian flights. Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations -- Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar and Rajkot -- are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 15 May, the airline said in a post on X. Air India also said customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. In a post on X, IndiGo said in accordance with the latest directives from the relevant authorities, all flights to and from 10 destinations will remain cancelled until 0529 hours on May 15 due to temporary airport closures. The airports are Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur and Kishangarh. These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority, the airline said. The military conflict between India and Pakistan has intensified. Under Operation Sindoor, armed forces had carried out strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed at least 26 people last month.
Pak turbulence in Indian airspace, flights most hit
Amid heightened security concerns, Indias booming aviation sector has been hit. Closure of 30 airports across several states has left hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. S Lalitha takes a look at the situation: What triggered disruption? It stems from the closure of operations at several civilian airports many of which double as military airfields after India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and PoK on May 7 and 8. India suspended operations at critical airports in the North, Northwest, and Central regions of the country. Affected airports The closure impacts airports in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Delhi-NCR. Notable ones include: J&K & Ladakh: Leh, Thoise, Srinagar, Jammu Punjab: Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara HP: Dharamshala, Shimla, Bhuntar, Gaggal Rajasthan: Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh, Bikaner Gujarat: Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod Others: Hindon (Delhi NCR), Gwalior (MP) and Chandigarh Airlines response Major airlines have rolled out cancellations and passengers holding valid tickets have been offered full refunds: IndiGo: Suspended 165 daily flights, including those from Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Leh, and Srinagar Air India: Cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot SpiceJet: Stopped operations in Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar Akasa Air: Cancelled flights from Srinagar Impact on flyers Travellers are experiencing severe stress due to cancellations, particularly those with connecting flights. Social media platforms of airlines have been flooded with distress calls. Whats next? Airlines and airport authorities are monitoring developments, but flyers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions beyond May 10.
Explained: Operation Sindoor aftermath and how it has impacted flights in India
Following Operation Sindoor and heightened security concerns, India's air travel sector has been hit. The closure of 30 airports across several states has left hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. Here's a breakdown of the current situation. What triggered the disruption? The disruption stems from the closure of operations at several civilian airports many of which double as military airfields after India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in the wee hours of May 7. Operation Sindoor: Nine strikes, 25 minutes of chaos for Pakistan Fearing potential retaliation post these strikes, the Indian government suspended operations at critical airports in the North, Northwest, and Central regions of the country. Which airports are affected? The closure impacts airports in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and the Delhi NCR region. Notable airports shut down include: J&K & Ladakh : Leh, Thoise, Srinagar, Jammu Punjab : Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Chandigarh. Himachal Pradesh : Dharamshala, Shimla, Bhuntar, Gaggal Rajasthan : Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh, Bikaner Gujarat : Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod Others : Hindon (Delhi NCR), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) Airlines expect the disruption to last at least until 5:29 AM on May 10, though airport sources hint it may continue longer. How are airlines responding? Major airlines have rolled out large-scale cancellations and advisories: IndiGo has suspended 165 daily flights, including those from Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Leh, and Srinagar. Air India has cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. SpiceJet has stopped operations in Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar. Akasa Air has cancelled flights from Srinagar. Passengers holding tickets for these routes have been offered full refunds. Impact on flyers Travellers are experiencing severe stress due to abrupt cancellations, particularly those with connecting flights. Entire itineraries are being disrupted when the primary leg of the journey is cancelled, as seen in multiple cases. R Sushmita, travelling from Himachal to Nagpur via Chandigarh and Delhi, had to reroute by train to Delhi due to a cancelled Air India flight. Fortunately, Air India issued a fresh ticket at no extra cost. Piyush Sawarkar, stuck in Leh with his family, tweeted for help after his Indigo flight to Mumbai was cancelled. Like many others, he received a standard airline response requesting his PNR via direct message. Social media platforms of airlines have been flooded with similar distress calls, and many passengers are still awaiting clarity and rebooking options. A necessary safety measure According to Captain CS Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots Association, while the inconvenience is considerable, the move was necessary from a national security perspective. The government wants flyers to stay safe. Closure of air force bases wont impact the public directly since civilian aircraft dont usually operate there, he said. However, international carriers are significantly affected. To avoid Pakistani airspace, flights from the Gulf to Delhi are forced to take detours. For instance, British Airways, Air France, and KLM from Delhi are heading towards Mumbai and then rerouting through Turkey, with longer flight paths and additional operational costs, he explained. Whats next? The situation remains fluid. Airlines and airport authorities are monitoring developments, but flyers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions beyond May 10. Travellers are advised to stay updated through official airline channels and plan alternate routes where possible.
Civil defence mock drill conducted in Shimla
A mock civil defense drill took place in Shimla. It simulated responses to air raid scenarios. The drill happened at the Deputy Commissioner's office and Sanjauli parking area. Injured were evacuated and fire situations were managed. The exercise aimed to improve coordination between departments. It also tested readiness for rescue operations. The Army will train civil defense members.
Over 200 flights cancelled; 18 airports temporarily closed following Operation Sindoor
NEW DELHI: More than 200 flights have been cancelled and at least 18 airports, including Srinagar, have been temporarily shut for operations amid restrictions in the wake of the armed forces launching missile attacks on terror targets in Pakistan on Wednesday morning. Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and a few foreign airlines have cancelled their services to and from various airports. Sources said that at least 18 airports in the northern and western parts of the country have been temporarily shut. These airports include Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Dharamshala and Jamnagar, they added. According to one of the sources, more than 200 flights to and from various airports have been cancelled by airlines. IndiGo said it has cancelled more than 165 flights from various domestic airports, including Amritsar and Srinagar, till early morning of May 10 due to airspace restrictions. Air India flights to and from the following stations, Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot, are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 10 May following a notification from aviation authorities on the closure of these airports, the airline said. #6ETravelAdvisory : Following aviation directives, flights to/from these cities remain cancelled until 10 May, 0529 hrs. Please check your flight status here https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV . For rebooking or refunds, visit https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP . We are heretosupportyou! pic.twitter.com/sLHHzIZ99w IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 7, 2025 In a post on X, the airline also said passengers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. Due to government notification on airspace restrictions, over 165 IndiGo flights from multiple airports (Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar) are cancelled until 0529 hrs. IST of 10 May 2025, IndiGo said in a statement. The airline also said that passengers whose flights are affected can reschedule the booking on the next available flight or opt to cancel their bookings at no additional cost, and a full refund will be processed. IndiGo operates around 2,200 flights daily. In an update on X, SpiceJet said airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted. The affected passengers can opt for a full refund or an alternate flight as per availability, it added. At least 35 flights to and from the Delhi airport, the country's largest and busiest airport, have been cancelled since 12 am, one of the sources said. The source said that 23 domestic departures and eight arrivals were cancelled. Pakistan closes airspace for 48 hrs after India's Operation Sindoor Besides, four international departures were cancelled. Foreign carriers, including American Airlines, cancelled some of their services from the Delhi airport. Due to notification from the airport authorities, flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon are cancelled till 05. 30 hrs on 10th May 2025. Important Travel Update: Due to ongoing situation, our flights to and from Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Kangra, Kandla & Amritsar are cancelled for 7th May25. Please visit our website or log into our mobile app to check your flight status before leaving for airport. #flyspicejet pic.twitter.com/0WyF6PSDw4 SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) May 7, 2025 Akasa Air, in a post on X, said that due to the prevailing situation in the region, all its flights to and from Srinagar have been cancelled. Regional carrier Star Air said its flights to/from Nanded, Hindon, Adampur, Kishangarh and Bhuj stand cancelled for the day. Kindly note, due to changing airspace conditions some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport, DIAL said in a post on X. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Meanwhile, Qatar Airways, in a post on X, said it has temporarily suspended flights to Pakistan due to Pakistani airspace closure. In retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces, under Operation Sindoor, on early Wednesday, carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke. LIVE | Operation Sindoor: India says 'exercised right to dismantle terror'; NSA Doval briefs global counterparts
Pakistan would be 'wiped out' if it continued anti-India operations: Anurag Thakur
Anurag Thakur condemned Pakistan for instigating border unrest, warning of its potential obliteration if such actions persist. The BJP in Shimla demanded the identification and repatriation of Pakistani residents, staging protests against the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
A Shimla Municipal Court has ordered the demolition of the remaining two floors of the Sanjauli mosque, citing illegal construction and lack of ownership documentation. BJP MP Anurag Thakur supported the decision, alleging that the Waqf Board failed to provide proof of land ownership and that similar undocumented land occupations by the Waqf Board exist nationwide.
Hailstorm and thundershowers lash Himachal, mercury drops sharply
SHIMLA, May 4: Himachal Pradesh witnessed a sharp shift from the ongoing heatwave as widespread thundershowers, hailstorms, and strong winds lashed several parts of the state, disrupting normal life and bringing down temperatures significantly. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), hailstorms and thundershowers affected districts like Shimla, Kangra, Chamba, and Kullu, reducing visibility and causing inconvenience to residents and tourists alike. The State Disaster Management Authority also issued an advisory as gusty winds touched speeds of 50 kmph in [] The post Hailstorm and thundershowers lash Himachal, mercury drops sharply appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sanjauli mosque to be demolished, orders Shimla MC court
A section of residents of Sanjauli and Hindu outfits had launched an agitation to press for the demolition of the mosque, claiming that it was unauthorised but no action was taken by the Corporation during the past 15 years.
Shimla municipal commissioner court orders demolition of two more floors of Sanjauli mosque
CHANDIGARH: The Court of the Municipal Commissioner has ordered the demolition of two additional floors of the mosque in the Sanjauli area of Shimla, following a similar order issued last year for the demolition of three floors of the same mosque. This decision was made after the Waqf Board failed to present the mosques revenue records during the court hearing. The Waqf Boards lawyer argued that the mosque originally existed before 1947 and was rebuilt after being demolished. However, Commissioner Bhupender Kumar Attri questioned why the necessary permissions, including architectural plans, were not obtained from the municipal corporation for the reconstruction. MC Commissioner Attri ruled that the mosque had been built without the required approvals, including a building permit, a no-objection certificate, and a sanctioned map, all in violation of municipal regulations. He ordered the demolition of the lower two floors, in addition to the three floors previously ordered to be demolished in October last year. VHP warns of mass movement if Sanjauli mosque is not demolished in 15 days Jagat Pal, the lawyer representing local residents who had sought the demolition of the mosque, stated that the Waqf Board failed to produce documents proving ownership of the land and the sanctioned building plan. Following this, the Court of the Municipal Commissioner, Bhupender Kumar Attri, passed the demolition order. There is also a related matter pending before the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which is scheduled for hearing on May 8. Earlier, on October 5 last year, the Commissioners Court had ordered the demolition of three floors of the Sanjauli mosque, he said. Advocate B. S. Thakur, representing the Waqf Board, said that a detailed order is still awaited. The Commissioners Court has pronounced the order, holding that the construction at the mosque site was illegal. The Sanjauli Mosque Committee had demolished the original mosque and erected a new structure without obtaining the required permissions from the concerned authorities, including the Municipal Corporation and the Estate Office. The court has not commented on the ownership of the land, which belongs to the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board. We are waiting for the detailed order to decide the next course of action, he said. The Himachal Pradesh High Court had directed the Municipal Commissioner to decide the case within three months, by May 8. The Commissioners Court passed the order after hearing both parties.
Shimlas Sanjauli Mosque Unauthorised, Municipal Commissioner Court Orders Buildings Demolition
The advocate appearing for the Waqf Board had argued that the mosque existed prior to 1947 and the mosque was constructed after demolishing the old mosque.
Sanjauli Mosque to be demolished, orders Shimla municipal commissioner court
The Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner's Court has ordered the demolition of the Sanjauli Mosque, declaring all five stories unauthorized. This decision follows a long-standing dispute and agitation by local residents and Hindu organizations. The Waqf Board failed to provide necessary ownership and building plan documents, leading to the court's order after a High Court directive to resolve the case.
Tourists cancel Kashmir bookings, shift to Himachal after Pahalgam attack fallout
CHANDIGARH: Tourists now prefer vacationing in Himachal Pradesh over Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 persons were killed. Approximately 15-20% of both domestic and international bookings have shifted from Kashmir to Himachal's popular destinations including Manali, Shimla and Dharamshala; however, the surge in footfall is not as expected as tourists have adopted a 'wait-and-watch' policy amid prevailing uncertainties and hostilities between India and Pakistan. Ashwani Bamba, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Kangra, told TNIE that, after the terror attack, tour operators and potential tourists inquired for booking in Himachal and Uttarakhand and that they expected the surge to be significant. But, actually only 15-20% of tourists shifted from J&K to Himachal and the rest probably prefer to not venture out during this summer season owing to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Thus, the occupancy of hotels across the state at present is around 40% only, the same as last year. Bookings that were shifted were that of tourist groups traveling from Maharashtra, Gujarat and other states, not the immediate bookings in Kashmir which had gotten cancelled, he said. Bamba added that, in Himachal, Manali had the maximum number of shifted bookings at about 20%, while Dharamsala, Dalhousir and Shimla had much fewer. He said that advance bookings had already been made for the IPL matches in Dharamsala. Kashmir tourism stumbles after Pahalgam terror attack, but industry leaders remain hopeful Mohinder Seth, president of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Stakeholders Association, said that tourists are adopting a wait and watch policy due to India-Pakistan tensions. On everyone's mind, there is only one question: What will the Union government do in the coming days? The common is just waiting for that. There were a lot of inquiries after the unfortunate incident as people got diverted from the Kashmir Valley, but the actual number of bookings are very less. In May, generally, there is about 30-40% occupancy across the state, after May 15 we are expecting that it may touch 60-70% as advance bookings are already been done, he said. This tragedy not only upended the tourism sector in Kashmir, but has also impacted the neighboring states of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Ex-President of Manali Hotel Association Mukesh Thakur said that after terror attack there was lot of expectation that the tourist rush will shift to Himachal and lot of queries had also come. But the number of booking which are less as, first, the tourists have to get their booking cancelled and take a refund and then again they will think where to go. Already as predicted that the summers will be hot this year so already there are lot of booking done in advance as far as Manali is concerned. At present around 30-40% occupancy in the hotels here and after May 15 as summer intensifies the occupancy is expected to touch more than 80% as already people have booked. Also is expected that in coming days more online bookings will be done. The tourism industry contributes 7.78 per cent to the GDP of the hill state. As per the Economic Survey report for Himachal Pradesh for 2024-25, the number of domestic visitors increased to 1.8 crore in 2024 from 56.32 lakh in 2021 while the surge in foreign tourists was 83,000 in 2024 from 5000 in 2021. On the other hand the tourism industry contributes 7.2 per cent to the GDP of Jammu and Kashmir.
AIMSS Chamiyana to become first hospital in HP to offer robotic surgery, says CM
SHIMLA, May 1: Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (AIMSS) at Chamiyana near Shimla would be the first hospital in the state to offer robotic surgery, followed by Tanda hospital in Kangra, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday while inaugurating the In-Patient Department in the hospital. Also, to cope-up with the patient load at Indira Gandhi Medical College hospital (IGMCH) Shimla and provide better healthcare facilities, some of its departments, including gastroenterology, nephrology and plastic surgery, have [] The post AIMSS Chamiyana to become first hospital in HP to offer robotic surgery, says CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
20 injured after pick-up truck overturns in Himachal's Chamba
SHIMLA: At least 20 people sustained injuries on Tuesday after a pick-up truck they were travelling in overturned on the Chamba-Langera link road in Chamba district, police said. The accident took place near Shirvas village when the driver of the pick-up truck lost control of the vehicle, they said. Police rescued the injured persons with the help of the locals and shifted them to the civil hospital in Killar, from where some with serious injuries were referred to the Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba, officials said.
Himachal Pradesh, known as the 'snowy mountains,' is experiencing an unusual heat wave, prompting an alert across several districts. Temperatures in popular tourist destinations like Shimla and Manali have surged above normal, with Una exceeding 41C. The Meteorological Centre forecasts the heat wave to persist in Una, Kullu, and Mandi until April 30, with potential thunderstorms expected in early May.
Pakistan continues ceasefire violations along LoC for fourth consecutive night
There is no let-up in border tensions between India and Pakistan, as Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) for the fourth consecutive night, opening unprovoked fire on army posts in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara and Poonch districts. On the night of April 27-28, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara (north Kashmir) and Poonch (Jammu region), an army official said. Indian troops responded swiftly with appropriate small arms fire, though no casualties or injuries were reported on either side. This marks the fourth consecutive night that Pakistani troops have breached the ceasefire and fired on Indian army posts along the LoC. Over the past three nights, Pakistani forces have targeted army posts in the Valley, with the most recent attack extending into the Poonch district. The firing incidents come just days after militants attacked tourists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam , killing 25 tourists and a local resident. Following the attack, troops deployed along the LoC have been placed on the highest level of alertness. The highest level of alertness means troops have been directed to give a befitting reply to any ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops. They have been instructed not to hold back and respond effectively to foil all enemy designs, the official added. While the LoC and International Border (IB) had remained calm since India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire in February 2021, the recent uptick in ceasefire violations has raised concerns about the stability of the agreement. As tensions escalate, residents of border areas have begun repairing and cleaning their underground bunkers, while some are hurriedly harvesting crops to prepare for any further escalation. Tensions between India and Pakistan have heightened following the deadly terrorist attack. Security agencies have ramped up their efforts to track down those responsible for the attack. India has taken a series of stringent actions against Pakistan, including the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, the suspension of the over six-decade-old Indus Waters Treaty, and the immediate closure of the Attari land-transit post. These decisions were made on Wednesday following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who pledged that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their ackers behind the deadly Pahalgam attack. In retaliation, Pakistan has suspended all bilateral agreements with India, including the 1972 Simla Agreement. Social activist shot dead in J-K's Kupwara four days after Pahalgam attack Meanwhile, police have released sketches of three suspects believed to be involved in the Pahalgam attack. The suspects are identified as Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, both from Pakistan, and Adil Hussain Thoker, a resident of Anantnag district. A reward of Rs 20 lakh has been announced for credible information leading to their arrest. Additionally, in South Kashmir, security forces have demolished the homes of three more suspected terrorists, bringing the total number of houses demolished to nine since the Pahalgam attack. The properties belong to Adnan Shafi Dar (Shopian), Amir Nazir (Pulwama), and Jameel Ahmad (Bandipora). In response to India's actions, Pakistan has put the 1972 Shimla Agreement on hold and closed its airspace to Indian carriers. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while supporting a decisive fight against terrorism, cautioned against actions that might alienate innocent people in the region. The people of Kashmir have openly condemned terrorism and the killing of innocent civilians. Its time to build on this support but avoid any misplaced actions that could harm innocent lives. Punish the guilty, but ensure innocent people are not caught in the crossfire, Abdullah stated on X. (With inputs from Online Desk) 'Anytime, anywhere': Indian Navy shares visuals of missile tests, claims to be combat-ready
SRINAGAR: Authorities here have demolished the houses of three alleged active terrorists in Bandipora, Pulwama and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir as security forces continued their crackdown on the terror ecosystem following the Pahalgam terror attack . With this, nine houses of suspected terrorists and overground workers of terror outfits have been razed so far since the April 22 attack in the lush meadows of Baisaran that killed 26 people and left the nation grief-stricken and fuming. As part of the anti-terror crackdown, that picked up more steam after the Pahalgam tragedy, security forces have raided more than 500 locations in the Valley in just five days and grilled hundreds of suspects. Political parties have urged the Centre to ensure that innocent people are not targeted while it goes after terrorists. Carrying on with the targeted demolition drive, authorities pulled down the house of Adnan Shafi at Wandina in Shopian district on Saturday night, officials said and claimed that Shafi had joined terrorist ranks last year. The house of another suspected active terrorist Amir Nazir was pulled down in Pulwama district, they said. In Bandipora district, the house of suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, Jameel Ahmad Shergojri, was razed. Officials said Shergojri has been an active terrorist since 2016. Houses of two LeT terrorists linked to Pahalgam attack destroyed in blast With security agencies launching a massive operation against the terror ecosystem active in Jammu and Kashmir, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said the Centre should proceed carefully and avoid alienating innocent people while hunting down terrorists. The Indian government must tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians following the recent Pahalgam attack. It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror, she said in a post on X. The Government of India must tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians following the recent Pahalgam attack. It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror. There are reports of thousands being arrested and scores of Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 27, 2025 The former chief minister alleged there were reports of housands being arrested and scores of houses of common Kashmiris being demolished along with those of militants. I appeal to the government to direct the authorities to take care that innocent people are not made to bear the brunt as alienation aids terrorists' goals of division and fear, she added. Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also asked the Centre not to punish innocent Kashmiris in its quest for justice for the victims of the terror attack. While the Kashmiris collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice, indiscriminate arrests and videos of houses and neighbourhoods being demolished circulating on social media is disturbing and distressing. I urge the authorities that in seeking justice for the innocent victims do not punish innocent Kashmiri families, he said on X. While Kashmiris collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice, indiscriminate arrests and videos circulating on social media of demolition of houses and neighbourhoods, is disturbing and distressing. I urge the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) April 27, 2025 People's Conference leader Sajad Lone said those handling law and order should not do anything that can reverse the mindset that has changed after the Pahalgam attack. The mass protests against the Pahalgam killings was a rare occurrence, a first of its kind in the last 78 years...This a monumental shift, a milestone, but fragile at the same time. I hope that those in charge of law and order do understand the significance of the shift and don't do anything erroneously which impedes the shift or facilitates a return to the earlier mindset, he wrote on X. The mass protests against the Pahalgam killings was a rare occurrence, a first of its kind in the last 78 years. It showed a shift in mindset from a society in which some significant sections may have accorded social sanctity to the concept of violence to a society which Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) April 27, 2025 The former minister said there was a general feeling across the Valley that the whole family was being punished for the actions of one person. We approached the court also and termed it a form of collective punishment, inspired by the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, where the British were convinced of criminality and attributed it to ancestry. Using collectiveness to define criminality or terrorism is a curse and will never allow reconciliation and social introspection. I hope what has been achieved in the aftermath of the heinous carnage in Pahalgam, is understood by those at the helm. And these precious gains are not frittered away, he added. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to hunt down the killers o the ends of the earth as his government linked the dastardly attack to Pakistan. Since then New Delhi has announced a raft of retaliatory steps, including the cancellation of visas and suspension of the 1960s Indus Water Treaty, and Islamabad hitting back with a string of tit-for-tat measures, that included putting the 1972 Shimla Agreement in abeyance. Pakistan has warned that if India actually goes through with diverting or blocking the Indus water flow, Islamabad would see it as an act of war. Don't let innocent become collateral damage: J&K CM urges as search for Pahalgam attack culprits intensifies
Punjab tutor held for abducting student; boy rescued from Darjeeling after over a month
HOSHIARPUR: A 13-year-old boy, who was allegedly abducted by his tutor about over a month ago, has been rescued by the police and the kidnapper arrested, officials said on Sunday. Model Town SHO Sub-Inspector Gursahib Singh said the boy, a native of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra, was currently living with his parents in a rented accommodation in Hoshiarpur. Studying in Class 7, the boy used to take tuition from Bhupinder Singh (51), a resident of Dashmesh Nagar, daily between 3 pm and 7.30 pm. According to the police, Bhupinder Singh somehow convinced the boy's parents to allow him to take the child to Shimla for two days. However, after taking the boy with him on March 12, he blocked all contact numbers of the family and prevented the child from speaking to anyone. The boy's parents searched for him on their own for around 18 days, but when they failed to trace the abductor and their child, they lodged an FIR. The FIR was registered at the Model Town Police Station on April 2 under relevant provisions of the law that deal with the punishment for kidnapping or abducting someone with the intent to secretly confine them. A hunt was launched for Bhupinder, who kept changing his location frequently to evade arrest. Eventually, police located him at a hotel in West Bengal's Darjeeling and arrested him two days ago. The boy was safely rescued. The police said the accused had taken the boy close to the Nepal border and there was a strong possibility that he could have crossed over into Nepal with the child. The rescued boy has been produced before the Child Welfare Committee, while the accused was presented before a court, which remanded him in four-day police custody for further interrogation. The police are investigating the motive behind the kidnapping.
Javed Dar calls on HP CM, urges for safety of Kashmiri students
Excelsior Correspondent SHIMLA, Apr 26: Minister for Agriculture Production, Javed Ahmad Dar, today called on Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, apprising him of the situation arising out of the recent Pahalgam terror strike. Their meeting focused on key issues concerning the safety and welfare of J&K residents in Himachal Pradesh. The meeting was held in pursuance of the directions of Chief Minister of J&K where under all Cabinet Ministers of J&K have been deputed to various parts [] The post Javed Dar calls on HP CM, urges for safety of Kashmiri students appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
JK Ministers visit Mumbai, Punjab, Shimla, Dehradun, Lucknow to instil safety of JK natives
Share contact numbers for assistance, meet Governors, CMs of respective states Srinagar, Apr 26:Following the reports of harassment of the J&K natives outside the region, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has deployed his cabinet ministers including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary to various cities of the country in order to ensure their safety. The [] The post JK Ministers visit Mumbai, Punjab, Shimla, Dehradun, Lucknow to instil safety of JK natives appeared first on Northlines .
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has threatened that blood would flow in rivers if water is stopped, in a sharp response to India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after the Pahalgam terror attack . The Indus is ours and will remain ours - either our water will flow through it, or their blood, the former foreign minister was quoted as saying by The News on Friday while addressing a public rally in the Sukkur area of his home Sindh province. The Indus flows through the province, and the Indus Valley Civilisation city of Mohenjo-Daro flourished on its banks. And Bilawal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed India is heir to a civilisation thousands of years old, But that civilisation lies in Mohenjo-daro, in Larkana. We are its true custodians, and we will defend it. Bilawal said that Modi cannot sever the aeons-old bond between the people of Sindh and the Indus, adding that he Indian government has cast its eyes on Pakistan's water, and the situation demands unity among all four provinces to defend and protect their water. He said that neither the people of Pakistan nor the international community would tolerate Modi's warmongering or any attempts to divert the Indus waters away from Pakistan. We will send a message to the world that robbery on the Sindhu won't be accepted. Pahalgam terrorist attack: Pakistan seeks international probe The PPP chairman urged his supporters to prepare for a resolute struggle to defend their river from Indian aggression. Bilawal, who has also served as Pakistan's youngest foreign minister, said the country and its people condemned the recent terrorist attack in India because Pakistanis themselves remain victims of terrorism. India on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with Islamabad. That call was taken by India after the attack on Tuesday in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. In response to India's decision to suspend the IWT, Pakistan on Thursday threatened to suspend the Simla Agreement and put other bilateral accords with India on hold. Pakistan also suspended all trade, closed its airspace for Indian airlines and said any attempt to divert the water meant for it under the Indus Water Treaty will be considered an Act of War. The Simla Agreement was signed in 1972. The treaty, signed in Shimla, was inked by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bilawal's grandfather. Also, the PPP chairman announced on Friday that the federal government has now agreed to subject the construction of the controversial six new canals to consensus among all provinces. I want to share that the federal government has decided that no new canals will be built without consensus in the CCI (Council of Common Interests), he said. CCI is a high-powered inter-provincial body to tackle controversies between provinces.
Pak Flag Removed From Desk Where Now-Suspended Simla Agreement Was Signed
The glossy wooden table on which the Simla Agreement was signed is kept at the Kirti Hall in the Raj Bhawan in Shimla.
Nidhey Gupta takes charge as Sr Divisional Manager LIC Srinagar Div
Srinagar: Nidhey Gupta has taken charge as Senior Divisional Manager, LIC of India, Srinagar Division. Before his current assignment, he has served as Senior Divisional Manager at Shimla Division (H.P) for 2 years. Hailing from Jammu, Nidhey Gupta is a Law Graduate from Jammu University. He joined LIC of India in 1997 as a Direct [] The post Nidhey Gupta takes charge as Sr Divisional Manager LIC Srinagar Div appeared first on Northlines .
Pakistan flag removed from Simla Accord table
The Pakistani flag has been removed from the historic table at Raj Bhavan in Shimla where the Simla Accord was signed, a day after Pakistan suspended the 1972 agreement. The suspension came in response to India's retaliatory actions following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Simla Accord, signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, aimed to settle issues bilaterally and maintain peace at the Line of Control. However, Pakistan's frequent violations of the agreement have led to its suspension, raising concerns about the future of India-Pakistan relations.
Indian Army Captured These Pakistani Areas In 1971, Indira Gandhi Returned Them In 1972
The Pahalgam attack, Pakistan's withdrawal from Shimla Agreement, and echoes of the 1971 war reignite calls in India for a tougher stance and reclaiming lost strategic ground.
'Boy' For Success, 'Girl' For Failure: How The Historic Shimla Agreement Was Signed At 12:40am
Pahalgam terror attack: News18 takes a look at the significance of the Shimla Agreement, which was signed between India and Pakistan on July 3, 1972
Tired of Shimla? Visit these 6 nearby destinations with the same charm, minus the crowd
Shimla might be iconic, but its not your only option. These 6 nearby destinations offer the same colonial charm and scenic beauty, minus the crowds. Discover peaceful hill retreats worth your time.
Pakistan Puts Shimla Agreement On Hold: What It Means For LoC, Regional Stability, And More
Pakistan said is holding up the Shimla Agreement, which could potentially lead to escalated tensions. The move comes in the wake of India's actions over the Pahalgam attack.
A Broken Pact? How Pakistan Violated The 1972 Simla Agreement Time And Again
The Shimla Agreement was a peace treaty signed on July 2, 1972, between Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
Pak Suspends Shimla Accord, Shuts Borders
After a meeting of its National Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistans Foreign Office declared Indias move illegal, warning that any attempt to curb or divert waters destined for Pakistan will be considered an act of war
Congress leaders slam ED charge sheet in National Herald case as 'political vendetta'
CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Chandigarh, Manish Tewari, today alleged that the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the National Herald case against Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was an act of sheer political vendetta aimed at maligning the party leadership by the ruling party. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also alleged that the chargesheet was purely a case of political witch-hunt. Speaking to the media today, alongside senior party leaders including Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Capt. Sandeep Sandhu, Tewari said the case would eventually collapse in court, as there was nothing unlawful or illegal involved. He explained that the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which was founded by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other senior leaders and freedom fighters to publish newspapers like National Herald , Navjeevan , and Qaumi Awaz , had run into massive losses, accruing liabilities and outstanding debts of around Rs 90 crores. He said that, as per standard corporate practice to clean up balance sheets, a new company, Young Indian Limited (YIL), was incorporated. Tewari stated that the Congress paid off the Rs 90 crore debt of AJL over a period of 10 years and subsequently acquired its shares. These shares were later transferred to Young Indian Limited through a standard corporate practice of debt-equity swap. He emphasised that converting debt into equity is a common legal practice, and this was precisely what happened in the AJL case. Challenging the complainants claim that the move was an attempt to grab AJLs properties, Tewari clarified that of the six properties owned by AJL across the country, only one was freehold while the other five were on lease. He noted that such leased properties cannot be sold. Interestingly, he revealed that the trial based on the complaint, which led to the EDs chargesheet, has effectively been stayed a stay that was, in fact, sought by the complainant, Subramanian Swamy, from the Delhi High Court. Tewari further said that even the BJP government is aware that the case has no legal standing and will not withstand scrutiny. However, he added, the government is attempting to create a perception to malign the Congress leadership. Meanwhile, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, accompanied by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, State Congress President Pratibha Singh, and others, told the media in Shimla, By targeting the Congress leadership and the Gandhi family through false and fabricated cases, the BJP government is trying to muzzle the Congress party. Claiming that neither the Gandhi family nor other directors of Young Indian Limited received even a single rupee, Gehlot alleged that the BJP government has turned the ED into its election department and is using it for vendetta politics. Nation Herald case will not cow down Congress, says Kharge
Rain, hailstorm lash parts of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh experienced rain, hailstorms, and strong winds, as predicted by the IMD, bringing a refreshing change, especially in Shimla. No damage has been reported, and tourists are enjoying the enhanced beauty and pleasant climate. The IMD forecasts continued rainfall and thunderstorms in several districts, with potential for intense weather conditions in some areas.
